It is an honor for me to serve as this year’s chairman of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, the owner and operator of Reno-Tahoe International and Reno Stead airports. I serve alongside eight dynamic and diverse professionals skilled in aviation, business, tourism, gaming, transportation and even medicine. The RTAA trustees are appointed by elected leaders from Sparks, Reno, Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority board.

The RTAA, a quasi-municipal organization, is bound by many of the requirements our local governments must follow. We are committed to governing in a transparent and open manner. After all, our airports belong to our community.

I am proud of our newly hired president/CEO Marily Mora and her team, who are implementing a new strategic plan that will enable our airports to reach a higher altitude.The plan outlines five priorities.

• Increasing air service. Having a vibrant and efficient airport with a wide array of flights and easy access to key destinations is paramount. Our airports play a critical role in supporting our economic growth and recovery.

• Optimizing general aviation and services, which includes all aviation operations other than scheduled commercial service. These include private pilots, small business owners and emergency services such as air ambulances. General aviation is a key contributor to economic growth and an integral component of the airport system.

• Expanding air cargo service will promote connectivity and create opportunities by supporting and expanding distribution, warehouse and light manufacturing industries. New air cargo facilities at Reno-Tahoe International will be required soon.

• We will play a role in facilitating economic development at both airports. Added business at our airports equals more revenue to the RTAA, which enables us to keep our costs down, thereby attracting new air service. There is a domino effect when our airports prosper. Stead’s open space of nearly 5,000 acres is being considered as a test site for unmanned aircraft, an example of the economic potential airports can bring to our community.

• A positive environment and experience for all. This means a highly skilled, productive workforce, and ensuring we provide quality customer service. The airport must make the ultimate first and last impression on both business and family travelers, which is why we have made great strides recently in service and improvements at our airport.

We will share more about this plan in the days to come and ask for your support in helping us achieve these priorities. Thanks for flying with us.